Which of the following authentication methods is based on physical appearance of a user?

The correct answer is B. Biometrics. Biometrics is correct because it authenticates users based on unique physical characteristics - fingerprints, iris patterns, facial recognition, or voice - all derived from the user's physical appearance or biological traits. A key fob (A) is a physical token that generates time-

Identity and Access Management (IAM) Architecture

Question

Options

AKey fob
BBiometrics
CID/password combination
DSmart card

How the community answered

(50 responses)

A
2% (1)
B
92% (46)
C
2% (1)
D
4% (2)

Explanation

Biometrics is correct because it authenticates users based on unique physical characteristics - fingerprints, iris patterns, facial recognition, or voice - all derived from the user's physical appearance or biological traits.

A key fob (A) is a physical token that generates time-based codes; it's something you have, not something you are. An ID/password combination (C) is something you know - credentials stored in memory, not tied to your body. A smart card (D) is also something you have - a chip-embedded card requiring possession, not physical identity.

Memory tip: Think of the word root - bio (life) + metrics (measurement). Biometrics literally measures living physical traits, making it the only option tied to the body itself. The other three all require carrying or remembering something external.

Topics

#Biometrics#Authentication factors#Identity verification#Physical characteristics

Community Discussion

No community discussion yet for this question.

Full CISSP-ISSAP Practice